Upper cervical instability is a very complicated medical condition that requires accurate diagnosis and experienced rehabilitation specialist trained in posture education and neutral spine conditioning. We have worked directly with the Centeno-Schultz Clinic to develop a functional conditioning program specifically for their PICL procedure. Early on in our relationship we realized our neutral spine coaching program is ideal prior to the PICL procedure to help client hold O-A neutral functionally post-procedure. If you go into any medical procedure or surgery with faulty loading as a result of faulty posture, your recovery will be compromised.
What is the PICL Procedure?
If you have been diagnosed with cranio-cervical instability you may be prescribed regenerative medicine to help restore ligamentous stability. The PICL procedure uses image guidance to place super-concentrated PRP and bone marrow concentrate in and around the alar and transverse ligaments in the C0-C2 to strengthen them in order to lessen the laxity that contributes to the compression of the vagus and occipital nerves. We have worked collaboratively with the Centeno-Schultz clinic to improve the posture of their PICL patients that live outside of the Boulder/Broomfield area prior to the procedure to maximize the effect of the procedure. Learn more about Centeno-Schultz treatment options for neck pain and instability.
What is the HPC PICL Prehab Program?
Safe Neutral Spine Conditioning
The HPC PICL Prehab program is a digital physical therapy program that will restore your ability to perform your daily tasks with the most optimal positioning of your skull on C1. After your procedure you will be able sit, stand and walk without forward head or head tilt posture. You will have a customized “Start Your Day” routine that helps you start the day with the skull positioned in it’s neutral position on C1. You will be able to get in/out of bed and chairs holding O-A neutral. You will have strategies for sleeping and working on your computer that facilitate healthy posture.
Lifestyle Modifications
Healthy Sleeping Strategies
Healthy Workstation
Healthy Daily Postures
What does the Prehab for the PICL Procedure Look Like?
Week 1 + 2
Before we can condition you to perform daily activities from healthy posture we have to safely restore your ability to get into neutral spine alignment. The level 1 workout video will improve your ability to stack your upper back and position you skull in its neutral position on C1. This level of conditioning typically lasts 2 weeks.
Week 3 + 4
After restoring your ability to get into neutral spine alignment, we then evaluate what modifications and props may be required to help you sit, stand and walk from neutral spine alignment post-procedure. The level 2 workout video will condition you to you sit, stand and walk from healthy posture. This level of conditioning typically lasts 2 weeks.
Week 5 + 6
The last 2 weeks of the program focuses on lifting and carrying light objects from neutral spine alignment consistent with your post-procedure protocols. We will evaluate sleeping strategies and teach you how to get in/out of bed and chairs without faulty loading. The level 3 workout video will condition you to pick up light objects off the floor without faulty loading in the upper cervical spine. This level of conditioning typically lasts 2 weeks.
Why Prehab at The Healthy Posture Club
Experience
With over 25+ years of experience treating neck pain in an out-patient physical therapy setting, we are they pioneers in neutral spine-based fitness and physical therapy prehab. We have 8+ year teaching neutral spine-based fitness digitally, 5+ years of experience preparing patients to go into this procedure with healthier posture.
Safety
We have 9 levels of check-and-balance with every exercise prescribed. You are not advanced to the next level of conditioning until you have demonstrated the ability perform the current level properly without cueing.
Convenience
The HPC prehab program for the PICL procedure is a digital physical therapy product, all session are completed through telehealth from the comfort of your home, at your pace and on your schedule.
Simplicity
Our goal is to condition you to maintain neutral skull positioning on C1 during your daily activities. The exercises are built around the daily tasks you will have to complete post-procedure. We just help you condition yourself to complete them without unhealthy loading in the neck to promote better healing post-procedure.
Results
We can connect you with other patients that have completed the program prior to their PICL procedure. We can even connect you with clients that completed the program after having a 2nd PICL procedure to gain insight into the difference between doing the PICL procedure with and without neutral spine conditioning.
What do I need to get started?
Step #1 – Purchase a $50 Posture Screen
- Chair that allows you to sit upright without back support
- 6″x36″ foam roller
- 3″ yoga block
- Exercise mat
Gain Control and Avoid Surgery!
Upper cervical instability is difficult to treat long term without the right team in place. Best results are achieved with accurate diagnosis and a pre and post rehabilitation program centered around neutral spine alignment. Neck pain can be a viscous cycle. Pain causes faulty loading which causes bad posture which can cause joint misalignment. Combining neutral spine based functional fitness to your regenerative medicine procedure will set you on the best path for long-term injury management and prevention.
We would love the opportunity to help you get the most out of your upcoming PICL procedure.
You can improve your posture, we are experts in helping you do it safely and cost effectively.
Visit the Healthy Neck Prehab page for other Prehab Protocols.
